Honda takes over app developer Drivemode

HONDA Motor Co. subsidiary Honda R&D Co., Ltd. (Honda R&D) announced it has acquired all outstanding shares of the California-based Drivemode, Inc., a startup that develops and operates smartphone-based connected services, including the development of user interfaces and applications, as well as cloud-based technologies.

With the acquisition, Drivemode, Inc. becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda R&D. Honda explained it took over the tech company so it could “further strengthen” its creation of digital and connected mobility products.

Honda R&D said it has been collaborating with Drivemode since 2015 through the Honda Xcelerator, an open innovation program Honda has been pursuing on a global basis.

In April, Honda established the Digital Solution Center within Honda R&D, which will focus on creating new value through utilization of digital technologies. With this acquisition, the Digital Solution Center and Drivemode will work together to accelerate new value creation in the area of connected mobility services, which will contribute to Honda’s vision to serve people worldwide with the “joy of expanding their life’s potential.”

“As a step toward the realization of value creation for mobility and enhancing people’s daily lives, which is an integral part of Honda’s 2030 Vision, we decided to further enhance our collaborative relationship with Drivemode,” said Toshihiro Mibe, president and representative director of Honda R&D.

For his part, Drivemode CEO Yo Koga said that with the support of Honda, Drivemode “can have a lasting impact on actual vehicles and drivers around the world at scale.”

“Our focus has always been on providing safe, meaningful software solutions for drivers, and with Honda’s hardware capabilities, we can continue innovating on mobile-based technology for connected cars and motorcycles,” Koga said.